Optimizing Tourist Experience in Queuing Areas at Theme Parks
Audio:
Text:
When planning a water park or theme park, numerous factors must be taken into account. One crucial aspect is the setup of queuing areas for attractions, performances, and interactive events. These areas serve as the waiting and warm-up zones for each activity, and while they may not be the most thrilling part of the park, they are essential.
The queuing area can be likened to a “preparation area” before a rehearsal hall, allowing visitors to “hear the sound before seeing the person.” During this time, tourists can familiarise themselves with the theme and safety instructions of the attraction. Additionally, the queuing area is designed with details that enhance comfort and ensure the safety of visitors. Let’s delve into the design of queuing areas, focusing on technology control, application, and theme creation.
Technical Control of Queuing Areas
1. Orderly Guidance
The primary aim of establishing a queuing area is to guide visitors into various venues or amusement zones in an orderly fashion, ensuring they enjoy the activities safely and without rushing. This is akin to the queuing areas in front of other public service facilities. Consequently, the width of the queue line is typically sufficient for a single person to pass through, with no sudden changes to prevent queue jumping.
Furthermore, important information such as height requirements and health restrictions should be clearly displayed at the entrance of the queue area to avoid any issues when visitors reach the attraction’s entrance.
2. Evacuation of Tourists
Extended queuing times can sometimes lead to unexpected situations, such as the need for a temporary emergency exit or children needing to use the toilet. In emergencies, tourists may panic, causing crowding and potential accidents. For instance, at Lanchao Discovery Kingdom, emergency evacuation doors are installed in the queuing area of the samba balloon project, leading to an external activity site. The exit channel is strategically placed between the queuing area and the green space, facilitating rapid evacuation and guiding the flow of people during emergencies.
3. Coping with Large Passenger Flow
During holidays, parks often experience peak visitor numbers, and the queuing area’s length is usually based on average visitor flow. To prevent overflow during peak times, the design of temporary queuing areas should be considered from the outset. If you’re planning to build a water park, this is an important consideration.
At Lanchao Discovery Kingdom, for example, the popular large pendulum project has a temporary queuing area on hard ground near the venue. This semi-open space provides shade and rain protection without obstructing the flow of people. The ground is pre-drilled, allowing temporary guardrails to be inserted as needed. During off-peak times, the temporary queuing area is removed, and the holes are covered with metal caps to prevent tripping hazards.
4. Preview Area Setting
Many 4D/5D theatres or large stage venues guide visitors to a preview hall before queuing for entry. This space acts as an introduction, focusing visitors’ attention and piquing their interest in the main attraction.
In some cases, theatres place the rehearsal hall before the queuing area, allowing visitors to queue in batches according to specific rules. The size of the rehearsal hall depends on the number of visitors the theatre or amusement equipment can accommodate in the next batch, ensuring enough space for most visitors to stand comfortably. The rehearsal time should be brief, clearly explaining the play’s background and viewing precautions.
5. Seat Setting
During the Shanghai World Expo, the Saudi Pavilion was extremely popular, with queuing times reaching up to 8 hours. This highlighted the need for seating in high-intensity queuing areas. Some domestic theme parks have started to introduce simple wooden stools along the railings. Although only 20-30cm wide, these stools provide a place for visitors to rest and set down their belongings, reducing the likelihood of pushing and shoving.
6. Fast Track
To allow some visitors to experience attractions more quickly, many theme parks have introduced fast lanes and single channels alongside the regular queuing areas. This option allows visitors to exchange money for time, a concept increasingly accepted by tourists on peak days. Therefore, the fast track can be seen as a way to enhance the visitor experience. If you’re planning to build a water park, consider this option as well.
The entrance to the fast track is usually adjacent to the regular channel, with a similar design but a shorter path. However, the fast track requires two to three times the outdoor queuing area, so it should be selectively implemented for certain attractions. Performance and exhibition venues can often eliminate the need for a fast track by setting up a guest area.
For more information on theme park queuing and innovative solutions, visit Lanchao Water Park Equipment Manufacturer.
